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Saugerties Events

Hudson Valley Garlic Festival This annual celebration of all things garlic grows larger every year, with craft vendors, cooking demonstrations, handcrafted edibles (spices, hot sauce, jams), live music, performances for children, and much more. But the main attractions are the food vendors offering everything from roasted garlic dishes to snacks smothered in garlic sauces, and even garlic ice cream. If you haven’t tried a garlic cannoli, you haven’t lived. September 29-30.Hvgf.org

Saugerties Artists Studio Tour What started in 2002 as a way to promote the town’s smaller studios has grown into a full-on art-lover’s weekend. This year, about 40 artists were a part of the tour, which snaked through the town and village, signs pointing the way. Works of varying media—from sculpture to paintings of abstract, contemporary, and other styles—are showcased as artists open their studio doors and invite the public in for a peek. An opening reception kicks off the event, and the works of many artists can be seen after the tour on display at local businesses.Saugertiesarttour.com HITS on the Hudson Horse Shows in the Sun (also known as HITS on the Hudson) is not only the region’s largest, most acclaimed series of horse show events, but it’s also quickly gaining national and international respect as well. Shows take place throughout the summer, but the largest prizes are awarded between September 7 and 9, including the Pfizer one million dollar grand prize. There are special events including food- and wine-tastings, dinners, and picnics throughout the summer, but the event is usually closed out by a performance from a top-name musician; this year, Michael McDonald croons amid the fields of Saugerties on September 9.Hitsshows.com

Holiday in the Village No matter what you celebrate come wintertime, this festive event is fun for all ages and denominations. Last year brought free craft demonstrations, horse-drawn carriage rides, live music, the fireman’s parade of lights—which includes prizes for the best-decorated fire trucks and, of course, an appearance from Santa. There is a scheduled annual menorah lighting around the same time. Check the Saugerties Chamber of Commerce website for dates, still to be announced.Discoversaugerties.com

Sawyer Motors Annual Car Show This annual showcase of the coolest hot rod, classic, and antique cars has become one of the summer’s most anticipated events. The village streets are closed to traffic as more than 400 shiny, rumbling beauties compete for trophies and awards. To really get into the street festival spirit, there is live entertainment around almost every corner and shops remain open through the day. This free event attracts scores of people, so be sure to get there early.Sawyermotorscars.com

Fourth of July Fireworks and Parade Ask around—most people who have lived in the Ulster County area long enough will agree that the Saugerties Independence Day events are the best in the area. The party starts early with a morning parade through town that ends in Cantine Field; kids love the parade because they’ll get to hear a marching band, wave to community groups, and see the fire trucks rolling along. The park usually has a great selection of food vendors, live music, and other fun activities for all ages. Fireworks take place at dusk and the display is always impressive.Village.saugerties.ny.us